This past football season taught Fresno State offensive coordinator Josh Davis a valuable lesson.

“If we don’t become more explosive, then I’m not so sure how championship-caliber we’re going to be,” said Davis. “So yes, we have to become a more explosive offense.”

Both of last year’s starting quarterbacks, E.J. Warner and Carson Conklin, combined to complete 6-of-21 pass attempts of 20 or more yards, according to Pro Football Focus.

With that lesson in mind, the Bulldogs leaned on a little-known connection to bring in a 6’4″, 230-pound transfer from across the country.

Khristian Martin remembered Fresno State offensive line coach Brian Ferentz from his stint as analyst at Maryland, Martin’s previous school.

“We had a relationship from there,” said the sophomore quarterback.

It was not only a relationship, but a reputation that convinced Martin, a Virginia native, to call Fresno home.

“[With] the amount of quarterbacks that come out of this school, obviously, your dreams are accomplishable from Fresno State,” said Martin.

Martin’s transfer out of the University of Maryland was a welcome surprise to one of his former Terrapin teammates.

“I honestly didn’t know he was out here for a visit,” said Fresno State junior wide receiver Ezekiel Avit. “He called me the next day, and I was honestly livid. I told him he had to come.”

Avit caught passes from Martin two years ago at practice, while both were languishing on the Maryland bench. An opportunistic Martin turned the lack of playing time into more study time.

“I had about 70 credits going into college,” said Martin. “My coaches allowed me to take some extra classes, come to meetings a little bit late, and I graduated in a year and a half.”

He plans to enroll in a Masters program at Fresno State this fall, but until then, Martin has the spring and summer to learn Fresno State’s offense.

The only thing faster than Martin’s college degree is the zip on his passes at spring practice.

“The velocity on the ball, he gives it to you quickly,” Avit said. “You got to have your eyes open and ready.”

Davis said that Martin is competing with Clovis native Jayden Mandal for the starting job – “They’re the top two guys in the room right now, no doubt” – and a decision won’t be made until midway through fall camp, possibly before.

But through three practices this spring, Martin is showing traits of a leader.

“He’s the brother you want to have,” Avit said.

“His parents did a really nice job raising him,” said Davis. “Khristian has been a blessing, man.”